DAYTON, Ohio - Xavier (5-3-2) secured their second straight victory with a 2-0 road win over Wright State (1-9-1) on Tuesday evening at Alumni Field. The Musketeers controlled possession throughout, earning their third clean sheet of the season in front of 847 spectators.
Harun Bakaran opened the scoring for Xavier in the 2nd minute, finishing off a precise assist from Cooper Forcellini. The Musketeers doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Jabari De Coteau powered home a header from George Waites' delivery, giving Xavier a commanding 2-0 lead they would not relinquish.
The first half saw Xavier establish dominance early through Bakaran's strike. The Musketeers continued to press, with Cristiano Fitzgerald testing Wright State goalkeeper Alessandro Malterer in the 7th minute. Wright State's best chance came through Zakaria Amro's shot in the 4th minute, but it sailed wide. The visitors maintained control through midfield, with Ekene Okeke orchestrating play effectively.
Wright State showed more attacking intent after the break, with Edwin Espinal-Elvir forcing a save from Xavier keeper Jonny Mennell in the 65th minute. The Raiders pushed forward through Luis Edmondson and Uleto Fuentes, but Xavier's defense, anchored by Nolan Brice, held firm. Jack Jenkins had a late opportunity for Wright State in the 80th minute, but Mennell was equal to the task.
The match statistics reflected Xavier's control, as they outshot Wright State 16-12, putting 8 attempts on target compared to the Raiders' 3. Xavier earned 5 corner kicks to Wright State's 6, while the disciplinary count saw Wright State receive 5 yellow cards to Xavier's lone caution, shown to Alejandro Silvestrini in the 59th minute.
Mennell finished with three crucial saves for Xavier, while Malterer made six stops for Wright State. De Coteau's goal-scoring performance was complemented by strong midfield play from Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza and Shogo Haraikawa. For Wright State, Marko Odorcic showed determination despite receiving a late yellow card in the 86th minute.
Xavier's tactical approach emphasized quick transitions and width, utilizing the speed of Cooper Forcellini and Cristiano Fitzgerald on the flanks. Wright State attempted to counter through the middle with Uleto Fuentes, but struggled to break through Xavier's organized defensive structure led by Ezra Widman.
The victory extends Xavier's winning streak to two matches, building momentum in their conference campaign. For Wright State, the loss marks their second straight defeat despite showing improved defensive organization compared to recent outings. The Raiders' struggle to convert chances continues to be a concern, having scored just once in their last three matches.
Xavier's composed performance was highlighted by efficient finishing and tactical discipline, particularly in managing the second half when Wright State increased their attacking pressure. The Musketeers' ability to control possession through Gun Ha Lee and Ryan D'urso proved crucial in maintaining their two-goal advantage.
Both teams return to action on October 11, with Xavier traveling to face Creighton in a crucial conference matchup, while Wright State hosts Northern Kentucky looking to snap their losing streak.